Prisoners fitted with high-tech monitoring devices

3/10/04
A total of 200 prisoners at the minimum-security Wooroloo Prison Farm are being fitted with electronic tracking devices as part of a 12-month trial, Justice Minister Michelle Roberts announced today.
Mrs Roberts said some prisoners had already been fitted with the device, with the remainder being fitted in stages next week.
The electronic bracelet sets off an alarm at a monitoring station if tampered with or if the prisoner leaves a designated perimeter.
"Creating a safer community is a priority for our Government and technology is now providing the answers to boosting our security measures, seven days a week, 24 hours a day," the Minister said.
"The device serves as a powerful reminder for prisoners to serve their full term.
"If the 12-month pilot program at Wooroloo is successful, then we will look at extending the initiative to other minimum-security prisons around the State."
Mrs Roberts said there were four minimum-security prisons within the State where prisoners - which total about 600 - could be placed on electronic monitoring. These included Wooroloo, Karnet, Eastern Goldfields and Broome.
"Electronic monitoring of these prisoners will enable immediate detection of any escape attempt or out-of-bounds incident, rather than the current method of mustering all the prisoners for a headcount before starting a recapture program," she said.
"Our Government is focused on developing smarter and faster high-tech solutions to make our communities safer and more secure."
The Minister said implementing an electronic monitoring system at Wooroloo Prison would cost approximately $600,000.
Minister's office: 9213 6600